UNRWA faces deepening financial crisis amid Israel's pressure on donor countries

UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, faces a deepening financial crisis due to reduced international support following Israel's allegations and pressure on donor countries.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, known as UNRWA, has been a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees over the past decades.

UNRWA, however, has faced difficulties, including financial problems in the past year because of Israel's terrorism allegations against the agency.

• UNRWA financial crisis deepens
  

  UNRWA’s financial crisis deepens amid support cuts

  UNRWA is grappling with a financial crisis.

The allegations and the subsequent Israeli pressure on donor countries have reduced international support for UNRWA. Jordan is one of the countries where the agency delivers aid to Palestinian refugees, numbering 2.3 million.

UNRWA must continue to operate according to its mandate until the issue of refugees is resolved within the context of a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the [so-called] two-state solution and addresses the rights of Palestinian refugees.

Ayman Safadi, Jordanian Foreign Minister

• UNRWA chief warns of 'catastrophic consequences' of Israeli ban on agency
  

  UNRWA chief warns of 'catastrophic consequences' of Israeli ban on agency

  The UNRWA head warns the recent Israeli law banning the agency could lead to "catastrophic consequences."

UNRWA delivers primary health care services through 25 centers across Jordan. A suspension of support would lead to critical shortages in medicine and health care services, leaving thousands of vulnerable families without the food and relief assistance they depend on.

Any reduction or suspension of UNRWA humanitarian services will result in significant challenges in education, healthcare, and, social relief. Around 161 schools depend on the agency. UNRWA also operates 25 health centers, providing 61 million medical consultations annually.

UNRWA Spokesperson

• UNRWA’s ‘darkest hour’ in Gaza: UN urged to intervene against Israel’s ban
  

  UNRWA’s ‘darkest hour’ in Gaza: UN urged to intervene against Israel’s ban

  UNRWA says it is facing its “darkest hour” in Gaza and requires support from UN members against the backdrop of Israel’s ban on the humanitarian organization.

On October 28, 2024, Israel enacted a law banning UNRWA activities in the areas under its control, and preventing Israeli authorities from having contact with the agency.

The law is set to take effect later this month, raising concerns over UNRWA's closure.

This comes as the agency's officials have already expected tougher times due to budget cuts in some donor countries.

• Israel bans UNRWA
  

  Israel bans UNRWA

  Israel has banned the UN agency UNRWA from occupied Palestinian lands.

The forecast for 2025 is a little bit grim for the time being, because we have a number of donor country [sic] having indicated that they will enter into an austerity period, an austerity budget.

Filippo Lazzarini, UNRWA General Commissioner

The suspension or reduction of UNRWA services is placing additional pressure on the Jordanian government, which is already grappling with significant economic challenges.

Amid the UNRWA crisis in Jordan, the agency and the government have called for urgent international support, warning the situation threatens both refugees’ lives and regional stability.

• UNRWA halts aid delivery via key Israeli-held crossing
  

  UNRWA halts aid delivery via key Israeli-held crossing as hunger grips Gaza

  The UN agency says Israel as the occupying power is responsible for protecting aid workers and supplies.

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